News article

Last chance to apply for funding to approve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills

Time is running out for homeowners, landlords and private tenants in Warwick District to apply for funding to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and lower energy bills through the Green Homes Grants scheme.

Funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and delivered by the Council’s delivery partner E.ON with support from Act On Energy, the scheme aims to help improve the energy efficiency of low income private households in the District with free home improvements including solar PV panels, insulation and air source heat pumps.

The scheme has recently installed measures, such as solar PV and insulation, for 12 residents and a further 250 properties are in the process of receiving energy efficiency improvements. The scheme closes soon, so residents are urged to check their eligibility and apply today.

To be eligible, residents must:

• Own and live in their home, or privately rent within Warwick District; and
• Have a gross household income of less than £30,000 year OR someone in the home receives a means tested benefit and
• Have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G; if the home doesn’t have an EPC rating then E.ON will arrange this for you if they think that your property is energy inefficient

Funding for owner/occupiers is provided up to a maximum of £10,000 per property subject to the terms and conditions of the grant, with the work carried out by a Trustmark registered contractor.

Private tenants whose income meets the eligibility criteria are also encouraged to apply with the support and involvement of their landlord. Tenants are advised to speak to their landlord first to ascertain the energy performance rating of the property and ensure it meets the eligibility criteria. If landlords are unsure of the energy performance rating, tenants are still encouraged to apply.

There is no cost to the tenant, with landlords required to contribute a third of the cost, and a maximum grant of £5,000 per property.

Landlords will benefit from the scheme by having a more energy efficient property, which will help meet future minimum EPC rating requirements. Their tenants should also benefit financially and will be less likely to struggle with paying rent and utilities during the current cost of living crisis.

Applications are being made through local charity Act On Energy, with E.ON carrying out the installations. For more information about the scheme including details on how to apply, visit warwickdc.gov.uk/greenhomesgrants or call Act On Energy on 0800 988 2881 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

A cost of living support directory has recently been produced by the District Council, signposting residents to government and local support packages, as well as organisations that are able to offer advice during this difficult time.